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Geoffrey Nowell-Smith

Abstract

Cinema was the first, and arguably the greatest, of the industrialized art forms that dominated the cultural life of the 20th century. It continues to adapt and grow as new technologies and viewing platforms become available, and remains an integral cultural and aesthetic entertainment experience for people the world over. Cinema developed against the backdrop of the two world wars, and over the years has seen smaller wars, revolutions, and profound social changes, with its history reflecting this. The History of Cinema: A Very Short Introduction looks at the defining moments of the industry, from silent to sound, black and white to colour, and considers its genres from intellectual art house to mass-market entertainment.